Is Central Conway safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Central Conway as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Central Conway
“Go. Central Conway is a charming, historic riverfront district that serves as Horry County's civic hub and offers a relaxed alternative to the beach strip. While property crime rates in adjacent neighborhoods are somewhat elevated, the downtown commercial core and riverfront are generally safe and welcoming for visitors.”
Downtown Conway has seen steady investment in riverfront flood mitigation and pedestrian improvements following past severe weather events along the Waccamaw River.
About the area
Central Conway is defined by moss-draped live oaks, historic brick architecture, and a scenic boardwalk along the Waccamaw River. It serves as the county seat, blending local government offices, independent restaurants, boutique shops, and college-town spillover from nearby Coastal Carolina University.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Southern Charm
- Riverfront
- Small-Town Hub
Walking and biking in Central Conway
Walk score: 64/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no public bike-share program, but the Riverwalk trail and downtown's low-speed grid provide decent connectivity for personal bicycles.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Consistent daytime police and civic presence around the Horry County courthouse and municipal buildings
- Well-maintained, scenic public spaces along the Conway Riverwalk
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than the dense oceanfront tourist corridors of Myrtle Beach
Cons
- Per-capita property crime and larceny rates in surrounding residential pockets remain above national averages
- Higher local poverty rate near 20% compared to newer master-planned Horry County suburbs
- Limited nighttime pedestrian activity once dining spots close, leaving side streets sparsely lit
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, occasionally observed near commercial strips along US-501 or transit stops, but encampments are not common in the historic core.
What Central Conway is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, with early risers walking along the river boardwalk and patrons visiting local bakeries.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and generally safe, with steady foot traffic from shoppers, diners, and county government workers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant around Main Street dining spots, though foot traffic tapers off quickly on side streets after dark.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet with minimal street activity outside of a few local watering holes; standard precautions against property theft apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA provides local bus service connecting Conway to Myrtle Beach via Route 15S and Route 16, but buses run on hourly headways and there is no passenger rail.
Free on-street parking is readily available along Main Street and 3rd Avenue, complemented by several free municipal surface lots within easy walking distance.
Things to do in Central Conway
- Walk the shaded wooden boardwalk along the Waccamaw Riverwalk and arboretum
- Tour regional history exhibits and view the historic auditorium at the Horry County Museum
- Browse local boutiques, antique shops, and gift stores lining Main Street and 3rd Avenue
Local favorites
- Rivertown Bistro · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Upscale yet approachable eatery serving creative Southern cuisine and fresh seafood in a brick-lined space.
- Trestle Bakery & Cafe · Bakery · 4.7★ (1150)Beloved local gathering spot famous for fresh baked breads, breakfast plates, and homemade sandwiches.
- Crafty Rooster · Pub · 4.5★ (780)Casual downtown taproom featuring an extensive rotating craft beer selection and pub classics.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.